High Voltage Transformers and Elecrtomagnetic Emissions: Consequence on Students’ Health in Apata, Ibadan, Nigeria

The last decade has witnessed a remarkable growth in all aspects of modern technology such as mobile phones, wireless communication links, antennas, microwave ovens, and high voltage transformers which are sources of electromagnetic radiations (EMR). This research work investigates the effect of exposing building occupants to electromagnetic emission from high voltage transformers. The sample of this study is 150 students comprising 78 males and 72 females. Spectra RF3040 was used to measure magnetic flux density in the five schools used for this research. Measurements were also taken to determine the effects of electromagnetic emission on student's tympanic temperature, blood oxygen saturation, heart pulse rate and arterial blood pressure (diastolic and systolic). Tests on health situations were done indoor four times at (9:00 – 9:30) a.m. and four times at (1:30 – 2:00) p.m. each day. The results show from analysis that the measured values of power flux density were within slight concern limit. The gradual increase in tympanic temperature, heart pulse rate, and arterial blood pressure is an indication that EMR has adverse health effects on building occupants within 200m distance from such transformers. Recommendations were given. Keywords: High voltage, Transformer, Electromagnetic, Emission, Health effect

Evaluation of the Quality of Hand Moulded Sandcrete Block in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

The durability of a building is to a great extent determined by the quality of materials used of which sandcrete block is one of the materials. This paper looks into the quality of blocks produced by block industries in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria to ascertain its water absorption ratio and compressive strength. A Total of fifteen block industries were visited and five samples from each were collected and subjected to laboratory test. The analysis of results obtained was compared with the Nigerian industrial standard (NIS). The absorption rate of the sandcrete blocks was found to be higher than the 12% minimum requirement of the NIS; 2007. The compressive strength values of the sandcrete blocks ranges from 0.81N/mm2 and 1.25N/mm2 which when compared with NIS, was found to be below the minimum requirement of the NIS; 2007.  Inadequate mix ratio was observed to be one of the factors of poor quality sandcrete block production in the area. This paper recommends for compliance monitoring by the various regulatory body to ensure good quality of sandcrete block production

Application of Road Transportation System to Generate Electricity via Road Humps in Lagos State, Nigeria

Research has demonstrated that road transportation can be a source of electricity generation thereby creating jobs and improving the economic circumstances in the country. This paper attempts to illustrate how energy can be produced, stored and used, using road transport pressure from road humps. It also explains plainly, the working principle of the electromechanical device, its practical performance, and its benefits. There is a possibility of siphoning the energy and generating electric current thereby making the road hump as a power generation entity. This method is an effective way to produce electricity as the numbers of vehicles on the road are ever increasing. It can be effectively placed near traffic lights, at the entrance of parking lots and any other place where the traffic density is high. The generated power can be diverted to the national grid and increase power in megawatts.. The result from the device shows efficiency of 13.75% for a 7kg load